Frequently Asked Questions
Everything parents ask before signing up.
Who supervises my child?
Two trained staff on every outing, including program director Garrett Price and instructor Sophie. Every guide is background-checked and field-trained. Groups are capped at 14 kids. The two-adult rule is in effect at all times — no child is ever one-on-one with a single staff member.
What if my child gets hurt?
At least one Wilderness First Responder (WFR)-certified staff member is on every trip, trained to manage medical emergencies in remote settings. Every venue has an Emergency Action Plan. Guides carry a comprehensive first aid kit and a satellite communication device. You will be notified immediately if your child is injured.
Is Dogwood Mountain School insured?
Yes. Rocktown Climbing LLC d/b/a Dogwood Mountain School will carry full liability insurance before our first outing.
What is the refund policy?
Spring pricing is not published yet. Inquire about pricing if interested. Any priority hold already paid is fully refundable until your family completes enrollment. Once enrollment is confirmed, it is applied toward tuition. 30+ days before the first program day, 100% of tuition paid is refundable; 14–29 days, 50%; fewer than 14 days or after the program begins, tuition is non-refundable. Missed days are not refunded. If Dogwood cancels the entire program, families receive a full refund. Read the full Cancellation & Refund Policy.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Every outing has a backup venue. The go/convert decision is made the morning of, and parents receive a text confirming the plan. When conditions are unsafe, Dogwood may modify the day's location or activities. If Dogwood must cancel a full program day, we will first attempt to provide a make-up day.
Logistics
We serve youth in Dayton and the greater Chattanooga area. Drop-off and pickup are at Dogwood Climbing in Dayton, Tennessee. Some days stay at the gym; others travel as a group to outdoor climbing areas, trails, forests, creeks, and waterfalls, then return before pickup.
Youth ages 8–15. Explorers (8–11) meet Monday and Wednesday. Trailblazers (12–15) meet Tuesday and Thursday. Same drop-off (10:00 AM), pickup (4:00 PM), and basecamp. Each day is one class of up to 14 kids, led by Garrett and Sophie together — not a mixed-age split.
Dogwood Climbing in Dayton, Tennessee is the primary basecamp and parent drop-off/pickup location. Advance enrollment only — no drop-in care and no door-to-door pickup.
No. Families enroll for specialized climbing, hiking, mountain recreation, outdoor education, and community — not general-purpose childcare.
Water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing. We provide all specialized climbing gear (helmets, harnesses, climbing shoes).
We are not publishing a price yet. Inquire about pricing if interested. The form is on The Experience page. Spring dates are January 23 – March 20, 2027, for ages 8–15. The free family climbing day is Saturday, November 14, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, at Dogwood Climbing, 306 Dogwood Trail, Dayton, TN. No climbing experience necessary. All families are welcome.
Garrett Price has 16 years of high-level rock climbing, is a former USA Climbing Level 2 Coach and former EMT, and currently holds Wilderness First Responder certification. He previously served as Program Director at World Class Academy and as Dean of Students at a classical Christian school.
8 scheduled sessions (one weekday matching your child's age group), January 23 – March 20, 2027. Sessions meet every week of the season. Each session is 6 hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Explorers choose Monday or Wednesday; Trailblazers choose Tuesday or Thursday.
Still have questions?
We'd love to hear from you. Sign up for the free day, or ask about spring pricing.